Event
The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, with additional goals from an own goal by Damian Bobadilla and a strike from Gio Reyna. Paraguay's Mauricio scored a consolation goal. The match was attended by 70,492 spectators, including celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio. US captain Christian Pulisic withdrew at half-time due to injury.
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The United States men’s national team began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding win at SoFi Stadium, setting a new benchmark for their tournament record.
Background
The United States men’s national team secured a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The win marks the first time the USMNT has scored four goals in a single World Cup fixture and equals their largest winning margin in the tournament, a record previously set in 1930. Folarin Balogun scored two goals on his international debut, becoming the first US player to achieve this feat. The match, attended by 70,492 spectators including celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio, also saw an own goal by Damian Bobadilla and a late strike from Gio Reyna. US captain Christian Pulisic withdrew at half-time due to injury, after which Paraguay scored a consolation goal through Mauricio. The US advances to face Australia in Seattle on June 19.
The United States men’s national team secured a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The win marks the first time the USMNT has scored four goals in a single World Cup fixture and equals their
Fact cards
Key entities: USA, Paraguay, Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Damian Bobadilla, Mauricio, Christian Pulisic, Tom Cruise.
2026-06-11 (approx): USMNT defeats Paraguay 4-1 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California. 2026-06-11 (approx): Folarin Balogun scores two goals on his international debut; Damian Bobadilla scores an own goal; Gio Reyna scores in stopp
Timeline
USMNT defeats Paraguay 4-1 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California.
Folarin Balogun scores two goals on his international debut; Damian Bobadilla scores an own goal; Gio Reyna scores in stoppage time.
US captain Christian Pulisic withdraws at half-time due to injury.
Paraguay’s Mauricio scores a consolation goal.
Match concludes with 70,492 spectators in attendance.
USMNT scheduled to face Australia in Seattle.